Carbamazepine - Working in extreme heat

[ZPhillips]

Hi,

My partner currently take 300g of carbamazepine in the morning and another in the evening. He has just started a new job where he will be working in hot conditions of 50 degrees. He has been told that he will have to drink a litre of water per hour. His shift work is 12 hours each day. He is concerned that this may flush the carbamazepine out of his system. Is there any proof in this happening. Plus he is considering taking a further 100g as a precaution. Can someone please best advise?

Many thanks

Zoe

 

[Nakamova]

Hi Zoe --

I recommend that your partner to talk to his neurologist about the constraints of the job. He definitely shouldn't change his dose without discussing it with the doctor first. The doc will have a better sense of his metabolism and that of the medication. The water consumption shouldn't flush the medication out of his system, but it may depend on variety of factors including general health issues, and whether or not he's on the extended-release version of carbamazepine. FYI: Carbamazepine increases sun sensitivity, so your partner should be careful if he's working outside.

 

[ZPhillips]

Hi

Thank you for your response. We are aware that the sun is a factor but he is working in a mine so he will be underground. I have told him not to increase his dosage and to consult his neurologist which I will make him do. I didn't think he would need to increase his dosage. Thank you for your help.